President Hichilema to Represent Zambia at 39th African Union Assembly Focused on Water Security and Agenda 2063

 

ZIT— President Hakainde Hichilema of Zambia is scheduled to attend the 39th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government of the African Union (AU) in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, from February 14–15, 2026 — a summit that places sustainable development and continental unity at the top of Africa’s political agenda.

The African Union Assembly is the primary policymaking organ of the continent’s leading regional organisation, bringing together heads of state and government to deliberate on shared priorities and long-term development strategies. This year’s summit is convened under the theme:
“Assuring Sustainable Water Availability and Safe Sanitation Systems to Achieve the Goals of Agenda 2063.”

Agenda 2063 is the AU’s long-term blueprint for Africa’s transformation, adopted by member states in 2015 to guide economic, social and political development across the continent over the next 50 years. It prioritises inclusive growth, infrastructure development, good governance, and improved quality of life for Africans.

The focus on water and sanitation reflects an emerging consensus among African leaders that access to safe water and adequate sanitation is critical not only for health and well-being but also for economic growth, food security and climate resilience. It follows the adoption of the Africa Water Vision 2063 and Policy by African ministers in 2025, which positions water security as central to achieving the continent’s development goals.

Preparatory meetings for the summit have already begun, including the 48th Ordinary Session of the AU Executive Council, which opened in Addis Ababa with foreign ministers and senior officials underscoring the importance of water governance, unity and peace in advancing shared development interests.

Zambia’s participation in these high-level discussions is intended to reinforce its commitment to regional cooperation and collective action on issues that transcend national borders. In comments made during the Executive Council session, Zambia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Mulambo Haimbe, urged AU member states to adopt a unified continental approach to water resource management that promotes sustainability, coordination and shared progress.

Minister Haimbe also reaffirmed Zambia’s commitment to supporting policies that enhance resilience to climate-related shocks and contribute to achieving the goals of Agenda 2063, underlining the interconnected nature of water security, economic development and social well-being.

The 39th AU Assembly will also provide a platform for leaders to strengthen international partnerships, mobilise resources and promote institutional reforms that can accelerate progress towards sustainable development targets. It comes at a time when Africa faces mounting pressures from climate change, population growth and evolving geopolitical dynamics — making continental unity and strategic cooperation more critical than ever.